Because of a rare heart disease Odjick has been told by doctors that he may have only weeks or months left to live. Odjick has been transferred to a hospital in Ottawa, located approximately 130 km away from Maniwaki.

When the Town of Maniwaki announced the decision to rename the arena in Gino’s honour, it was speculated that Odjick would provide those in attendance with a video message. Odjick not only found the strength to attend the ceremony, but also to pose for pictures, speak to the crowd and even speak to the media in attendance.

It should surprise nobody that Odjick took the extra time and effort to attend the ceremony as he has always had a great relationship with his fans and has always had a great sense of responsibility to First Nations communities.